Air filters for the engine are commonly easy to find—you should be able to locate it in a box, often under the hood. For specific instructions on how to open it and remove it, refer to your owner’s manual.
A dirty or old air filter reduces airflow to the engine, making it work harder, use more fuel, and—at the very least—give you poor fuel economy.
Dirty Air Filter
For your engine to perform optimally, it needs the proper air-fuel ratio. However, dirt, dust, or other particles in the air can compromise its function. That’s why an air filter is so important. The lower the airflow due to a dirty filter, the harder your engine has to work to achieve the same performance, which means it burns more fuel to maintain that level of performance. This could also mean you’re not getting the best mileage possible, resulting in more money spent at the pump. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 kilometers), depending on your environment, driving conditions, and the component manufacturer’s recommendations. Check your owner’s manual or consult your service technician to determine what’s best for your car and driving conditions. Regularly replacing the air filter will help keep your engine performing at its best and maximize engine life.
Check Engine Light
The check-engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), is designed to alert you when something may be wrong. It could be that the air filter for the air intake is clogged and needs to be replaced, but it could also indicate other, less obvious issues that might be more costly to fix. Nowadays, many vehicles use different lights and colors to indicate the severity of the problem. For example, a solid red light means there’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed quickly. If you decide to keep driving, the problem may worsen, potentially affecting other parts of your vehicle. Replacing the air filter doesn’t require special skills or a lot of money. In fact, many mechanics will do it for free! It’s also an opportunity to save money each time you visit the gas station.
Engine Performance Issues
Air is essential for your engine: without the right mixture of air and fuel, the combustion process will be difficult or at least compromised. Clogged filters can limit the air supply for complete combustion, and this can affect performance. If your engine is sluggish, or if you notice the engine light is on (both of which could indicate a problem with the air filter), it may be time to replace the filter. A clogged filter can severely reduce airflow to your vehicle’s engine, and symptoms could include a sputtering exhaust system. Always make sure your engine is cool before working on your car. Also, wear gloves if you’re servicing your vehicle. To begin, locate the hood release lever on the driver’s side, pull it to open the hood, and make sure it’s securely locked back once you’re done.
Poor Fuel Economy
Your engine needs at least 10,000 liters of air for every liter of fuel burned, so plenty of clean oxygen is essential for top performance. The filter in your vehicle prevents dirt and debris from the road surface and other contaminants from entering the engine. Clogged filters force your system to work harder, cleaning the air around it and accelerating it through the filter to compensate for the reduced airflow, using extra fuel in the process. If you’re running low on fuel more frequently than usual, replacing the air filter might be the solution.
Unusual Noises
A good indicator that it’s time to change your air filter is simply inspecting it. If it has become too dirty or worn out after being in place for a while, it’s time for a replacement. An engine with a clean air filter will accelerate smoothly, without jerking or stuttering; fuel will burn efficiently, and exhaust noise and smoke will be minimized. Replacing your vehicle’s air filter is a relatively simple DIY task that can be completed in under an hour.